Thursday, March 29, 2012

Souzhou and the Silk Road

Silk production began in China thousands of years ago and was exported as early as the 5th century BC along the Old Silk Road to Asia, Europe, and Africa. Silks’ origin is clouded by the mists of time. It is stuff of myth and legend, a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Fashion & interior designers love its luminosity and intensity of color. The jacquard woven silk blend above is the Wesco Fabrics’ pattern Taj Mahal, color Turquoise.

Marla and I recently visited the Suzhou Silk Museum in China. Prized as the height of luxury, silk was produced for Chinese royal families by Suzhou weavers.

Marla chats with our guide about the museum’s expansion.

Lunchtime! Live silkworms munch on their favorite food, mulberry leaves.